If I had my druthers, I would leave my Christmas tree up all year. Don’t @ me.
But alas, I cannot — at least not without my family revolting.
They have, however, graciously permitted me to set up our tree as soon as Halloween’s over so long as I put it away by New Year’s.
And so I need a tree that’s easy to get into the house, set up, and get out of the house and stored in the garage once Christmas is over.
In my experience, an artificial Christmas tree is a vastly preferable option to a real tree.
I know fake trees aren’t for everyone—especially if you lack storage space. But National Tree Company’s 7.5-foot Feel Real Downswept Douglas Fir, which has been Wirecutter’s top pick since 2016—and which I’ve owned and used for the last five Christmas seasons—is really terrific.
It’s beautiful, easy to set up and break down, and works wonderfully even after years of extended seasonal usage. And it really does give the illusion of being an actual tree — without the sticky, needly mess of the real thing.
